About

Hi, I’m Richard Bonasoro Jr. — chef, gardener, and founder of Boston Soap Company. My journey began in the kitchens of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where I worked as a chef after graduating from culinary school. But it wasn’t long before my passion for old-world craftsmanship, clean living, and self-reliance began to take root—quite literally—in a backyard garden in Revere, Massachusetts.

What started as “The Backyard Project,” a personal rebellion against GMOs, chemicals, and the industrial food system, quickly turned into a thriving online community. I transformed my yard into an organic oasis, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all while sharing recipes, gardening tips, and inspiration with over 10,000 followers. I was fermenting kombucha, crafting hot sauces, canning everything in sight, and eventually—making soap with lemon verbena from my garden and organic oils. That was 2012, and Backyard Soap Company was born.

During my time at the Four Seasons, I even tended the rooftop garden and beehives, bringing that same garden-to-table philosophy into the luxury hospitality world—swapping fruit baskets for handcrafted soap gifts. But in 2015, a life-altering accident forced me to slow down. A long recovery, lost income, and eventually being let go from my job turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was finally free to pursue my true calling.

I started selling soap at local markets, pedicabbed through the streets of Boston, and for the first time, felt completely free. In 2021, I met Heather—award-winning package designer, creative force, and the love of my life. Together, we reimagined the brand, added candles and skincare, and moved into a beautiful studio space in East Boston. Boston Soap Company was born.

Our latest project, Massachusetts Grown, Boston Made, celebrates our roots with tallow soaps made from local suet rendered in-house and blended with herbs and ingredients from over a dozen Massachusetts farms. Every bar reflects our commitment to sustainability, tradition, and transparency.

This isn’t just soap—it’s a story. It’s craftsmanship. It’s a small act of rebellion. And we’re just getting started.